AFTER signing a development contract in the NBL, hybrid guard/forward Max Mackinnon, has been chugging along nicely in the United States’ NCAA competition.

Still a legitimate pathway for greener pastures and method for personal development, the collegiate system hosts plenty of Australian athletes looking to hone their craft against opponents at a similar stage in their respective careers.

Suiting up for the Elon University Phoenix, Mackinnon has enjoyed a strong start to the 2022/23 season, impressing in his first 11 matches and he should benefit greatly from his time in the NCAA system.

Standing a solid six-foot-five, Mackinnon often occupies either the two or the three in any lineup, and brings quite a bit when he hits the court, with a deep bag in his arsenal.

Renowned as a creative guard who can score the ball, Mackinnon has been impressive for the Phoenix in the season’s first 11 games, taking his average to double-digits and playing an increased role for the team.

So far this season, the Brisbane native has averaged 10.8 points per game, with a season-high of 24 coming on the road against High Point. In that match, he also shot the ball more than any other contest throughout the season, demonstrating how confident he was with his own scoring ability.

While he can nail the occasional shot from behind the arc, Mackinnon is more typically known as a scorer from two-point territory. A damaging mid-range shooter, the 19-year-old can create off the dribble and finish over the top of his direct opponent thanks to his impressive size when matched up with a fellow guard.

Mackinnon can also glide inside and finish at the rack, often contorting his body in the air to avoid the contact. Given his breakaway speed, he has proven to be a tough matchup for many an opponent.

In his most recent game, Mackinnon led the team in scoring as the Phoenix fell to Valparaiso on Sunday afternoon. Despite his side not snatching the win, Mackinnon made the most of his minutes and finished the contest with 18 points on 9/16 shooting from the field. The youngster was almost the catalyst for an unlikely win and should see more offensive responsibility as a result.

Mackinnon is continuing to develop his game against an appropriate pool of competition, and should he return to the NBL down the line, his experience in the NCAA should hold the guard/forward in good stead.